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The White City
The others are informed of our decision. Gandalf and Aragorn seem to understand and reassure Boromir that they will come when they can. Supplies, limited as they may be, are prepared. King Theoden comes to me leading a horse as I am waiting to mount behind Boromir.
"I did not value the warrior the Shadowkin lent me. I do now. A gift for a gift, may this one bear you swiftly."
He holds the reigns out to me. I do not wish to offend him but I must speak the truth.
"Thank you for your words but I fear I am no rider."
"Have you ever tried?"
I allow them to help me onto the horse and try my best. I utterly fail at using the reigns but I am still Shadowkin and am able to make the animal understand me. The horse and I come to an agreement. I will not jerk about on the reigns and he will do as told.
Gandalf, King Theoden, Eomer, Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn ride with us to the crest of a hill to see us off. In the distance, even though we are several days ride away, Mount Doom is visible. The others will journey to Saruman's tower.
"The battle for Helm's Deep is over; the battle for Middle Earth is about to begin. All our hopes now lie with two hobbits somewhere in the wilderness."
Gandalf smiles at Boromir and I and wishes us well.
"Hurry and return to us. I will be waiting, my King."
Boromir starts down the mountainside and I follow. He believes it will take us six days of riding to reach Minas Tirith unless we wish to kill the horses. This we will not do. Boromir tells me of his city as we walk the horses or before we rest at night. I have no stories of consequence to share. Boromir asks of what I did before and laughs at my tales. He is glad to be going home but becomes more quiet as we draw closer. When we are one day away he changes topics suddenly.
"My father . . . He won't be pleased to see you."
"I think he will be angry and horrified that you bring me with you. I cannot remain invisible anymore, Boromir, not without deep shadows to blend with."
He nods.
"I will stand for you."
We cross the ford late in the evening. Now that we are approaching the White City, Boromir seems more reluctant to return home. I know it is his father he dreads. We camp one last night upon the plain and arrive in the city early the next morning.
The city is massive and seems to burst out of the very mountain. Boromir instructs me on its many defenses as we approach. He is hailed enthusiastically as we enter. We wind our way up to the castle top at a slower pace. Boromir is greeted and welcomed by all.
At the top the guards are quick to hold our horses as they welcome Boromir home. His very presence brings them hope. We cross the courtyard and approach the black double doors. Boromir hesitates.
"Tinúviel, I do not-"
"I will remain whatever he may say. He cannot kill me or hold me against my will. Fear not."
He nods and orders the doors opened. Denethor sits on a small black throne at the base of a dais leading to a pure white throne, the throne of the King of Gondor. A smile is upon his face but it is horrible. Even this falters as he looks at me.
"My pride, my first born, you return victorious, of course. Where is the weapon, you must show it to me."
Boromir continues to cross the room.
"The Ring is not here, Father. It is not for one such as I."
He stops before the throne and bows. I do the same, shifting to Boromir's right and remaining just behind him.
"I see. You take elvish council over mine and bring home a whore instead of the salvation of Gondor."
"Father, Tinúviel is a warrior of her people. She comes to fight with us."
Denethor stares at me. I believe he is attempting to intimidate me but I am not human enough to feel so. I meet his gaze without flinching or shifting. I am unconcerned.
"She seems better for bedding then war. I have always thought to join you to the finest house in Gondor but you may do as you please."
"Have you fallen so far that you would attack our ally when we have so few?"
"An ally? One woman is now to be our prized ally?"
"She is . . . Her people . . . There are . . ."
"He means to say I am a warrior of the Shadowkin and perhaps the last of my kind."
"So you ensnare my son with dark magic and false hopes? I know of the Shadowkin. I know how you torment men and follow the Dark Lord."
"You will see it so no matter how it truly stands between us."
I shrug. He seems outraged by my lack of fear. He stands and calls for his guards.
"No, no, Father! I have sworn her our protection."
"I have not!"
Denethor is actually snarling. I see his mind is completely lost to darkness. Before the guards respond to the call the doors open again. Gandalf strides into the room. I am surprised but I do my best not to let Denethor see this. Boromir and I step to the side as the wizard enters with Pippin just behind.
"Hail, Denethor, son of Ectheleon, Lord and Steward of Gondor."
Gandalf nods to him in respect and makes no indication of recognition to us.
"I come with tidings in this dark hour, and with council."
"Perhaps you come to explain this," Denethor flourishes his hand toward Boromir and I, "Perhaps you come to explain why my son has betrayed me."
Boromir does not look away from his father.
"Your son has not betrayed you. He ever seeks to protect Gondor and her people. Now is not the time to deny allies, however useless you may think them to be. War is coming. The enemy is on your doorstep. As steward you are charged with the defense of this city. Where are Gondor's armies?"
Gandalf has turned Denethor's ire from me to himself. I am grateful for while I do not like Boromir's father, nor do I fear him, yet I do not wish to openly defy him. Gandalf councils him to light the beacons and call for Theoden. Denethor counters that he knows of Aragorn and will not bow to him. Gandalf says that it is not his choice to make.
"The rule of Gondor is mine!" Denethor rises to his feet, hunched and vicious, he glances at Boromir, "And no others!"
Gandalf turns and leaves. Boromir and I follow him but Boromir is called back. He hesitates, taking half a step with me, but then turns back to his father. I follow after Gandalf, not wishing to push myself on Denethor any more than necessary. Gandalf goes to the very edge of the lookout and stares at Mount Doom. He fears that Denethor has gone too far, that the white tree will never bloom, and that Minas Tirith will fall.
"Gandalf, do not see only darkness in this Now, there is much hope. Boromir lives, does he not? He may have influence with his father. Even if that is not so, there is much we can do."
Gandalf smiles.
We are given lodging in a house near the top of the city. I have not seen Boromir but I know any courtesy extended to us is because of him. I lie upon the bed in my room and stare at the ceiling. When next I open my eyes the sun is shinning into the room from the balcony. I have never slept before. Gandalf and Pippin are gone. I wait upon the balcony looking out to the mountain of fire where the Ring was born. Much is yet to come. This city has much to endure if things follow the Now I witnessed.
I hear the front door open and turn but I am not concerned. Boromir enters the room and joins me upon the balcony.
"He threatens us always. My father has raged about Gandalf, you, and Theoden. I believe you, at least, to be safe."
Boromir turns to look back into the bedroom.
"Is this house comfortable enough?"
"I slept."
Boromir smiles.
"Then it must be far more magnificent then I believed."
I have only given half of my attention to Boromir's words. In considering the fate of the city I realized that my own future is very uncertain. Even if I survive all that comes I have no where to go afterwards.
"I wonder what will become of me."
Boromir stops smiling and becomes very still.
"I can no longer live as the Shadowkin do. Even if I could undo what I have become I would not wish too. What if I am to die?"
I turn to face Boromir, resting my hip against the balcony.
"I have never wondered about tomorrow before all this began."
Boromir turns and places both hands on the railing, leaning heavily upon them. He stares at Mount Doom as if he could stop it by his gaze alone.
"There is much to do between now and then. It may be that neither of us is to survive. If we both live, I can promise you that there will be a place for you here. Aragorn will be king and he will permit it."
I understand what he does not say. He is tied to his kin. He can protect me as a guest to the city, an ally, but I will not be permitted to stay while his father lives. I am not worried about this, as I have seen Denethor's fate. Boromir does not know and so he needs to be reassured that I have not taken offense.
"Then we await the return of the King to Gondor."
Boromir relaxes after this and offers to take me around his city. He shows me the various sights and all the defenses that we did not see on our previous ride. Soldiers are frantically preparing the machines of war for the coming attack. Boromir also tells me that the beacons to call for aid from Rohan were mysteriously lit early this morning. His father had refused to light them and he had informed Gandalf of this late last night. I do not mention Gandalf and Pippin's absence this morning; Boromir already knows what they have done and it would not do to speak of such things aloud.
The sun is at its height when we hear shouts from the wall. Boromir and I are standing at the fifth gate. We rush to the wall to see a group of riders fleeing from the ruins on the river. They are being attacked by wraiths on huge birds. The hazy substance of the wraiths reminds me of myself when I ghost.
"Faramir..."
I stop staring at the wraiths and look to Boromir. He has turned and begins to run down through the gate. I glance back.
"Boromir, wait, look!"
Gandalf and Pippin are riding out to meet those retreating. Boromir is at my side once again. Together we watch as Gandalf raises his staff. A shaft of pure light comes from it. Around us shouts of encouragement are called for the White Rider. The light forms into a beam and pins the wraiths. They are driven back and stop tormenting the retreating soldiers.
"We can meet them below."
Boromir runs to the nearby gatehouse and takes one of the horses stabled there. I hold out my hand and he pulls me up behind him. The men posted here are all at the wall; there is no one to demand explanations. Boromir kicks the horse and we race to the main gate. We arrive as the gate opens to let in the riders. Boromir forces his way to Gandalf and his brother.
"Faramir, tell me everything. Tell me all you know."
Boromir pulls the horse to a stop beside Gandalf.
"But not here."
Gandalf looks at us and then at the panting horses and bloody knights surrounding us. He nods.
"Let us refresh ourselves."
We start out of the courtyard. Faramir rides beside us.
"Father will wish me to report immediately."
"He can wait. I am the Captain of Gondor, I require a report as well."
They smile at one another. They are so different and yet so close. I fear my kin have lost something by scattering so far apart. Faramir glances at me the entire trip to the house assigned to us but does not ask about me.
When we arrive, Pippin and I serve sweetwater and fruit. Faramir tells of his journey first. He has seen the enemy gathering men from far lands into Mordor. He also had dealings with Frodo and Sam. The others are relieved to hear that they still live. When he finishes describing the attack on Osgiliath he asks for Boromir's tale.
Gandalf and Boromir do their best to explain our journey in as few words as possible. Much of my actions are left out or left ambiguous. When all tales have been told, the brothers go to face their father. I return the horse to its post and explain its absence.
I make my way back to my rooms slowly. There is much to see in this city. The alleys are very tight and I am curious about what lies at the end of each.
I find a balcony that overlooks the river and the city Faramir just fled. There is a shadow extending from Mordor. It covers the river and is moving closer to us. I turn to make my way back; there is much to prepare. As I walk, I wonder what Boromir says of me to his brother in private.
Gandalf awaits me.
"Tinúviel, I wished to discuss with you..."
He is interrupted as the door crashes open and Faramir is pushed inside by his brother.
"Keep him from madness!"
"What?"
"My father wishes him to take back Osgiliath and worse, he is considering it!"
"Such an attack would be foolish and wasteful. The men will be needed, everyone will be needed, when Mordor comes for us."
Gandalf stands and guides Faramir into his chair, almost forcing him to sit down.
"Where does my allegiance lie if not here? My father is the Steward."
Boromir shakes his head but allows Gandalf to speak.
"Your father's reason has turned to madness."
Faramir seems as if he will argue and so I speak.
"You are a grown man, Faramir, whether your father wills it or no. You must decide whom you serve. Do you follow your father or do you protect the people of Gondor? They look to you for strength, as they do your brother. This is your decision: are you traitor to your father or to your people?"
He slumps forward.
"I have given my life over as forfeit once, a second time will not make it any less. If my father will not protect our people it must fall to us."
I lean back in my chair and look out the window. The unnatural darkness is even closer now. The four of us begin discussing battle plans. Where we will make our stand and how we will handle the necessary retreats. Gandalf and Boromir will go to the walls where they can be seen and give orders. Faramir and I will stand at the gate to marshal the forces when the orcs break through.
Our planning ends abruptly when we hear cries of fear. I step onto the balcony and peer into the darkness. The sun shines in the west but an army of orcs march toward us under the cover of Sauron. I cannot describe their numbers to the others. They join me to see for themselves. I do not believe they can see as well as I in the darkness but the army coming against them is disheartening nonetheless.
"Faramir, order all those remaining in the city that cannot fight to the uppermost tier."
Faramir runs out to follow his brother's order.
"So it begins."
Gandalf almost whispers.
We leave the house and rush to prepare. Boromir stops me as the others disappear down the street.
"I would speak to you, I may not have another opportunity and I would not leave it unsaid."
I feel my face grow warm.
"I know of what you would speak."
"All the same I..."
"Abandon your posts! Flee, flee for your lives!"
Denethor's voice echoes through the city. Boromir closes his eyes and sighs. He looks at me.
"We will speak again."
He mounts and rushes through the streets calling for men to defend the wall. I make my way to the first gate. Gandalf, on Shadowfax, passes me calling for soldiers. Soon Faramir comes and pulls me up behind him on his horse. The guarding of the gate is up to us now.
"Boromir tells me you are very skilled in battle, that you have abilities men do not."
He speaks over his shoulder.
"I know not what I am any longer but I am pleased to offer what skill I have to defending your city."
"Thank you for returning my brother to me."
"I confess, I thought only of my own wishes but you are welcome."
We ride silently down the hill. The assault has not yet begun though men are shouting instructions to one another and the streets are filled with people fleeing to the upper levels. I am relived to see that they take nothing with them but food and water.
We arrive at the gate.
There is much to be done but not by me. The orcs of Mordor pound at the large, iron-reinforced gate with a battering ram. The gate barely shakes. Faramir joins the soldiers on the wall. They are felling orcs by bow and arrow. I wait below. I have an idea of what will occur from the previous Now and I position myself accordingly.
Night takes the last of the day. It is an unnatural night for Sauron has blocked even the faint light of the stars. This is not necessary for his army but it will demoralize our soldiers. It adds to the power night brings me.
The pounding at the gate his become fiercer and steadier. Each hit causes it to shudder. The men from the wall speak of a great beast with claws extended attacking the door. Around me great stones alight with fire crash and destroy. Men seek to keep the fires from spreading too far. I could tell them that it would not matter for soon the enemy will burn through the buildings, but I do not. Those standing with me in the courtyard have no tasks until the gate is breached and need to do something to keep their courage.
It will not be long. I call my armor and sword.
"Men of Gondor."
I do not shout but those all about me hear and turn.
"They are coming. Now is the time to show your enemy the true strength of men."
They stop fighting fires and form a line in the courtyard. Gandalf joins us, bringing more men to fill the line.
We wait.
The pounding becomes more intense. The gate is weakening. A few of the men back away at the sound. Gandalf urges them to be steady.
The nose of some foul creature of Mordor, casted in iron, breaks through the upper reaches of the gate. The nose pulls away. There is a moment of silence.
"You are soldiers of Gondor. No matter what comes through that gate you will stand your ground."
The creature explodes through the remainder of the gate. Almost at the same instant trolls rush in followed by orcs.
Tonight I will live in shadows and the Blood Rage.
I ghost forward and attack a troll wielding a mace. I leap up and catch his helmet. Pulling myself up to stand on his broad shoulder I remove his head. He falls quickly. One after another I kill them. I hear Gandalf urging the men forward but it means nothing to me. I must pursue my prey as they try to avoid me. Orcs, goblins, and trolls are everywhere. The battle consumes me.
"Fall back! Fall back!"
I hear the cry taken up by the few men around me. At first I ignore it but then I realize where all the prey will be. I move to protect the pathway to the next gate. Even in the Blood Rage I realize that there are six more gates and there must be soldiers to protect them. Men retreat and I alone protect that retreat. I trust Gandalf to tell them to bar the gate and leave me. If I want through the gate it is a simple matter.
Tonight I am all Shadowkin and they will have to think deep before they remember how to hurt me. I hear the gate being barred and smile as I hack at three goblins. It is not I alone that keep them from assaulting the second gate. An arrow pierces the eye of a nearby orc and he falls. The archers seek to give me support.
I do not mark the passing of time, simply the number of prey that I take down. A troll attempts to smash me with his mace. I move to one side and rip my sword through his belly. He falls but I feel pain in my arm. I glance down to see blood on my lower shoulder. The sun must be rising. I take two steps back and smile at the enemy as they pause behind the body of the troll. I ghost my next two steps and stand facing the gate. There is silence behind me. Perhaps those of Gondor will fear me as well.
"Milady, I can escort you to the House of Healing."
I smile and turn to face the soldier.
"Thank you but it is nothing."
I push back the sleeve on my right arm. The chainmail shirt is damaged but underneath the wound is already closed. He looks at me, surprised, but nods. I let the sleeve drop and reform the chainmail as well. Faramir joins me and we walk back a pace from the gate.
"I see now what my brother meant."
There is a pounding. Another gate must be defended.
They are through much faster than the last time. The battle begins anew. This time it is Boromir who calls for retreat. Once again I guard as the soldiers flee. I am so deep in the Blood Rage that I consider standing and fighting before the gate until there is not a single orc left in Mordor or they pull me down.
"Tinúviel, get behind the gate!"
I respond to Boromir. I leap forward and grab a strap on the shoulder of a troll that secures his simple leather armor in place. I use it to pull myself onto his shoulders. Once there, I stab down at the base of his skull. As he falls, I leap to the wall. Many hands reach down to help me climb over. The jump should have been too great for any man but the sun is not at its peak and the enemy has blocked out its light; I still have much power to draw on from the darkness. It is darker than any dawn should be.
Boromir greets me, gripping my wrist. I return the hold.
"You must leave some sport for us."
He smiles but his eyes betray his fear for me.
"I will try."
He nods. A horn sounds. The Riders of Rohan have come.
They have their own battle to wage and there is nothing we can do to help them. Those orcs already in the city continue through the gates. As each is breached we fight until there are too many orcs within the tier and then we retreat to the next gate. I continue to safeguard the retreating soldiers but it becomes more difficult for me each time. As the gates become smaller and further up, I have less time to heal between breaches. I can see Boromir's concern but he does not dishonor me by asking me to withdraw. I do my best to reassure him when I can.
More soldiers join us from the walls as we move up in the city. This is a blessing as many have fallen. They speak of a great charge by Rohan and monsters with long tusks and noses. The horsemen face these monsters now.
We are driven to the last gate. A troll slowly beats it down. Boromir stands upon a raised landing ready for battle and calling encouragement to his men. Faramir has been taken to the House of Healing at some point. I rest on a barrel to Boromir's left. I hope my wounds will close before they come through. I did not have that luxury at the last gate. Gandalf and Pippin sit facing one another on the stairs of the landing.
"I didn't think it would end this way."
Pippin is shaking his head slowly.
"End? Oh, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The gray rain curtain of this world rolls back and all turns to silver glass. And then you see it."
All of us are focused on Gandalf and his words.
"What? Gandalf, see what?"
"White shores, and beyond, a far greener country and to a swift sunrise."
My heart longs for what he speaks of, even as Shadow. I look to Boromir and find him smiling.
"One day we shall journey there too. Perhaps..."
He looks to the gate. They are nearly through.
True ghosts save us. As a troll breaks through a green mass overtakes him. I had forgotten their arrival, so involved in the Now was I. The men draw back in terror but I do not fear them. Once their enemies are dead they leave the city. We call for horses and go down to the fields to greet Aragorn and see what may be seen. As we arrive Aragorn releases the ghosts. They quickly fade away.